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Vasculitic multiplex mononeuritis: polyarteritis nodosa versus cryoglobulinemic vasculitis

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Abstract

A 76-year-old female patient presented with a progressive motor-sensory multiplex mononeuritis (MM). Combined muscle and nerve biopsy showed the typical findings of a polyarteritis nodosa (PAN). Despite treatment with corticosteroids paresthesias increased and purpura of the legs newly appeared. Hepatitis screening revealed chronic hepatitis C-infection associated with cryoglobulinemia Type II (IgM-kappa Ig A). Finally, we diagnosed a hepatitis C-associated cryoglobulinemic vasculitis based on clinical and laboratory findings.

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Abbreviations

ANA:

Anti nuclear antibodies

ANCA:

Antineutrophile cytoplasmatic antibodies

ENA:

Extractable nuclear antibodies

Gm1:

Ganglioside antibodies

Hb:

Hemoglobine

IgM:

Immunoglobulin of the group M

IFN:

Interferon

MM:

Mononeuritis multiplex

PAN:

Panarteriitis nodosa

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Alfried-Krupp-Krankenhaus, Essen, Germany

    Corinna Steidl & Peter Berlit

  2. Sankt Franziskus Hospital, Muenster, Germany

    Martin W. Baumgaertel

  3. Universitätsklinikum Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany

    Eva Neuen-Jacob

Authors
  1. Corinna Steidl
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  2. Martin W. Baumgaertel
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  3. Eva Neuen-Jacob
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  4. Peter Berlit
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Correspondence to Corinna Steidl.

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Steidl, C., Baumgaertel, M.W., Neuen-Jacob, E. et al. Vasculitic multiplex mononeuritis: polyarteritis nodosa versus cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. Rheumatol Int 32, 2543–2546 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-010-1447-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-010-1447-9

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